California
What happens if the other parent doesn’t respond to my Request for Order in California?
Quick answer
The hearing still goes forward, and the court may make the orders you asked for without the other parent’s input. The judge still decides what to order, and you still need proof that the other parent was properly served.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
What the law says
Item 3 of the FL-300 warns the person served that the court may make the requested orders without them if they do not file a Responsive Declaration to Request for Order (FL-320), serve a copy at least nine court days before the hearing, and appear at the hearing. FL-320-INFO item 2 says: “If you do not file and serve form FL-320, the court can still make orders without your input.” On child support, FL-320-INFO adds that a parent who does not give the court information about their finances will have the order based on income information the court receives from other sources.
Service is what makes this work. FL-300-INFO item 10 says that if the other parties are not properly served, the judge cannot make the orders you requested on the date of the hearing. Item 15 says to file the proof of service at least 5 court days before the hearing.
What to do next
Make sure the proof of service (FL-330 or FL-335) is filed. FL-300-INFO item 16 says to take at least two copies of your documents and filed forms to the hearing, including a filed proof of service. FL-300-INFO item 17 says that after the hearing, form FL-340, Findings and Order After Hearing, must be completed, filed, and served.
Last checked against the sources above on October 6, 2026.
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